Stockton residents want answers on release of carcinogenic chemical

By Jeannette McMahon (online producer )

Residents of Stockton exposed to a carcinogenic chemical want to know why they weren't told immediately of the leak. A plume containing hexavalent chromium escaped from Orica's Kooragang Island plant on Monday night, but affected householders didn't find out until Thursday. Health NSW says the risk is low, but has given advice on what precautions people should take.

Around 70 households in the north Stockton area bordered by Fullerton St, Barry Crescent, Griffiths Ave and Flint St were affected by the release of the plume, as well as 20 workers believed to have been exposed.

NSW Health is advising people in the affected area not to drink water from rainwater tanks, not to eat green, leafy vegetables from their gardens, to wash their hands before eating, not let children play in the dirt for the next week or so, wash down outdoor surfaces and the exterior of their homes, and to drain swimming pools and tanks.

Mining explosives company Orica says it regrets not notifying authorities immediately about the incident at its ammonium nitrate plant, which has been shut down.

Hexavalent chromium became well-known through the efforts of environmental crusader, Erin Brockovich, and can be carcinogenic with long-term exposure.

NSW Health says its initial information from Orica is that the health risk is very low, and no acute health symptoms have been reported so far.

However, independent testing of the area is also being done by the Office of Environment and Heritage, which has been collecting samples from soil, cars and outdoor equipment.